International Journal of Research in Business and Social Science (2147- 4478)
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Exploring technological knowledge as a pre-requisite for e-tutorship: a case in open distance e-learning
Get PDFThis paper aims to explore technological knowledge as a prerequisite for effective e-tutorship in an Open Distance e-Learning (ODeL) institution. In this paper, it is also aimed to examine how e-tutors\u27 technological proficiency influences their engagement with students through the Learning Management System (LMS). A quantitative research approach was employed to address the research question with data collected through an observation technique tool conceptualized by the researcher. This tool tracked e-tutor engagement in the Learning Management System (LMS), specifically focusing on the frequency and types of interactions with students. The observation examined how technological proficiency affects online educational engagement by counting e-tutor postings and student reactions. The quantity of postings on each e-tutor\u27s dashboard and student reactions were the main contextual factors analyzed. The study found that tutor engagement levels depend on technological competence, which affects e-tutors\u27 capacity to conduct discussions and encourage student learning. The LMS data demonstrated that tutors with advanced technological competencies exhibited higher interaction rates, fostering an active and collaborative learning environment. Conversely, limited technological proficiency among tutors correlated with reduced engagement, potentially affecting students’ learning experiences. These findings point to the importance of technological knowledge in enhancing e-tutorship effectiveness within ODeL institutions. The study recommends targeted professional development programs to strengthen e-tutors’ digital competencies, ultimately improving student support and learning outcomes in online education settings
Entrepreneurship literacy in South Africa: The Imperative for Higher Education Institutions
Get PDFEntrepreneurship literacy has become a critical response to South Africa’s pressing socio-economic challenges, particularly high unemployment and poverty. This paper examines the role of higher education institutions (HEIs) in embedding entrepreneurship literacy into their curricula, going beyond traditional entrepreneurship education by integrating competencies such as innovation, economic management, and technological fluency across disciplines. Using a narrative literature review complemented by a meta-analytic synthesis, the study systematically analysed global and South African scholarship published between 2007 and 2025. The findings reveal that entrepreneurship literacy programmes have a moderate positive effect on students’ entrepreneurial intentions and self-efficacy, but only a small effect on actual venture creation, highlighting persistent structural barriers such as funding gaps, limited incubation, and insufficient staff training. In contrast, international contexts where entrepreneurship education is deeply integrated across disciplines show stronger outcomes. The study concludes that for South Africa to realise the transformative potential of entrepreneurship literacy, a unified national policy, adaptive curricula, academic staff development, and robust industry partnerships are essential. Without these systemic reforms, entrepreneurship literacy will remain an underutilised resource, but with them, it can become a cornerstone for innovation, employability, and inclusive economic growth
Contributions of traditional healers and traditional birth attendants to maternal health in Soweto, South Africa
Get PDFThis paper aims to explore how Traditional Healers (THs) and Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs) support women during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postnatal period in Soweto, Johannesburg. Traditional healing remains a central part of maternal healthcare in South Africa, where cultural beliefs and accessibility influence women’s health-seeking behaviours. Using a qualitative, exploratory, and descriptive design, data were collected through key informant interviews with eight participants (five THs and three TBAs) selected through purposive sampling. Thematic analysis was employed to identify patterns in traditional knowledge, practices, and beliefs related to maternal healthcare. Findings revealed that THs and TBAs play an essential role across the maternal care continuum. In the diagnostic phase, they identify fertility challenges, breech pregnancies, and spiritual causes of illness through ancestral guidance, bone divination, and dreams. During the antenatal period, they provide herbal remedies such as isihlambezo to cleanse and strengthen the womb and perform protective rituals against witchcraft and evil spirits. In the perinatal stage, TBAs assist with labour management, delivery, and placental expulsion using culturally informed methods. Their postnatal care includes uterine cleansing, breastfeeding support, newborn care, and follow-up home visits. These practices, grounded in indigenous knowledge systems, coexist with biomedical care and remain vital due to their cultural resonance and accessibility. The study concludes that strengthening collaboration between traditional and biomedical health systems could enhance culturally sensitive, community-based approaches to maternal healthcare in South Africa
Investigating the effect of IFRS 17 on the financial reporting of South African state-owned non-life insurance enterprises
Get PDFThis study evaluates the effects and challenges faced by South African state-owned insurance enterprises in adopting International Financial Reporting Standard (IFRS) 17, mainly the effects on financial reporting and contract transparency. Research purpose: The study analyses IFRS 17’s effect on the financial reporting practices and the transparency of insurance contracts within these enterprises. This is the first study to explore IFRS 17’s effects on South African state-owned non-life insurance enterprises from a finance management and executive perspective. It aims to identify key challenges and benefits of implementation while assessing its impact on accounting information quality. A qualitative approach was used, with semi-structured virtual interviews conducted among finance executives and management. Data was analysed using ATLAS.ti software to identify themes and patterns related to IFRS 17 adoption. The study found that IFRS 17 adoption has significantly improved transparency and comparability in financial statements, enhancing clarity in presenting insurance contracts. However, challenges such as the complexity of the standard, increased demand for technical expertise and resource allocation issues were identified. It is recommended that finance executives receive additional training and support to navigate IFRS 17 complexities. Strengthening regulatory frameworks will help maximise transparency and financial reporting improvements while mitigating implementation challenges. This study provides valuable insights into IFRS 17 adoption within state-owned insurers, highlighting its benefits and challenges to support informed decision-making in the adoption and implementation of the international accounting standard
Challenges of entrepreneurship education among students at the University of Venda
Get PDFEntrepreneurship education has been implemented at numerous higher education institutions to provide students with the skills and knowledge for pursuing entrepreneurship as a career. Nevertheless, several problems confront entrepreneurship education, despite its recognised benefits among students. This study sought to identify the obstacles in entrepreneurship education that impede student entrepreneurial development at the University of Venda. The research employed a qualitative design to fulfil its purpose. The targeted population consisted of University of Venda student-entrepreneurs engaged in entrepreneurship education programs and those enrolled in entrepreneurship courses. A convenience sample method was employed to choose 10 participants, and data were gathered using semi-structured face-to-face and telephone interviews in alignment with the research objectives. The gathered data was evaluated thematically utilising Atlas.ti version 8.4. The findings revealed the obstacles confronting entrepreneurship education, which include budgetary limits, insufficient funding, and unsuitable teaching techniques. This research is one of the few that have recognised the obstacles of entrepreneurship education for students. A mixed-method research strategy is advisable for a comprehensive comprehension of the topic
Socio-demographics, behaviour and spending habits of accounting students: Spending habits
No full textThe literature reveals that have poor spending habits arising from poor budgeting skills and lack financial knowledge, among others. However, it is unclear which individual lifestyles and attitudes influence the students\u27 spending habits. This study, therefore, fills this gap with empirical evidence from accounting students in South Africa. Specifically, the study aims to investigate the existence of relationships between socio-demographic, attitudinal and lifestyle factors on the one hand and students\u27 spending behaviour, on the other. Using an online structured questionnaire, we collected data from 290 accounting students at the University of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa, which was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistical techniques. The study finds that socio-demographic factors such as students\u27 age and parental income have the greatest influence on students’ spending habits. Students\u27 spending habits were also found to be influenced by attitudinal factors such as confidence in investment decision-making and shopping for necessities. Finally, it was observed that living an extravagant lifestyle, which includes purchasing branded clothing, compulsive shopping, the latest cell phones, and excessive alcohol purchases, were the primary cause of students\u27 poor spending habits. These findings primarily support the social learning theory, implying that parents and/or guardians play an important role in shaping their children\u27s spending habits
Transitioning from traditional performance management to electronic performance management in the workplace: A critical analysis and lessons for Lesotho
Get PDFModern businesses require flexible, agile systems that can track progress in real time, provide continuous feedback and adapt to dynamic workplace environment. As the workplace is evolving rapidly, so are the expectations around employee performance. Using qualitative approach, this paper unpacks the opportunities and challenges of EPMS as well as provide recommendations on how organizations in Lesotho can make use of it. Despite the vast literature on digitalization, there has been a lot of hesitation on the total adoption of EPMS in most organization mostly in developing countries like Lesotho. The methodology involved a comprehensive review of previous studies, primarily relying on secondary data to explore the concept of digital HRM and its various dimensions. Thematic analysis was conducted to identify patterns and insights related to EPMS. The findings revealed that EPMS can provide opportunities for orgnaisations in Lesotho which include real-time feedback, objective continuous performance monitoring, data-driven insights, reduction in operational costs and improved communication. However, despite EPMS’s benefits it comes with challenges, such as data overload, costs, algorithmic bias, data privacy concerns and loss of personal interaction. Based on the findings, organisations must invest in robust data security measures, such as encryption and secure storage protocols, to mitigate these risks and having clear policies that relates to EPMS
Three pillars of financial sustainability
Get PDFThis study aims to empirically analyze the three key pillars of university financial sustainability—revenue-generating activities, good financial governance, and IT capabilities—with performance, age, and size as control variables. Using a survey method targeting private universities in Indonesia, data were collected from financial leadership representatives across 14 provinces, yielding 627 valid responses. The data were analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM) to examine the relationships among variables. The results reveal significant positive effects of good financial governance on financial sustainability, IT capabilities on financial sustainability and revenue-generating activities on financial sustainability. Furthermore, revenue-generating activities have a strong positive impact on both good financial governance and IT capabilities. The analysis also identifies IT capability as a mediating variable between revenue-generating activities and financial sustainability, as well as between good financial governance and financial sustainability. These findings underscore the strategic role of technology-based governance in enhancing the financial resilience of higher education institutions. Accordingly, the study recommends strengthening the three pillars of financial sustainability—revenue diversification, sound governance practices, and robust IT capabilities—to ensure long-term institutional sustainability
The potential impact of cooperatives on inequality in South Africa: A literature review.
No full textThe national development plan (NDP) clearly states that communities should take initiatives to solve their own problems. One of the socio-economic problems faced by communities in South Africa is the effects of inequality, which is largely the apartheid era is responsible for. In trying to deal with the socio-economic problem of inequality, many communities in South Africa have resorted to forming and running cooperatives in different sectors of the economy. However, these cooperatives are reported to be facing numerous challenges, and in some cases, many of them fail or close down. The challenges mentioned range from a lack of capacity to manage, poor economic performance in the country, heavy reliance on government grants and many others. Despite the challenges faced by cooperatives in South Africa, they are still believed to be a very important tool in dealing with the problem of inequality, which mostly affects rural areas where most of these cooperatives operate. To understand the potential impact of cooperatives in dealing with inequality, this paper uses a qualitative approach. Secondary sources of published information by government agencies and cooperatives themselves will be used, as well as literature published by experts in the area of study. Preliminary findings of the paper are that cooperatives in South Africa are very small in size, and the majority of them are in primary sectors of the economy. If cooperatives are to play a significant role in dealing with inequality, there is a need for them to be capacitated to grow and also participate in upper value chains of the economy.
 
International students’ silent struggles in higher education spaces: towards an inclusive support framework for international students
Get PDFThe enrolment of international students continues to intellectually, culturally, and educationally enrich universities across the globe. In South Africa, international students bring vast and valuable experiences, perspectives, and skills to the host institutions. Research shows that besides the above contribution that international students make within the higher institutions of learning in South Africa, they also make significant economic contributions to the host institutions and country through enrolment. But beyond institutionalised practices of support and inclusivity, international students endure invisible academic and social issues that are not spoken about and discussed widely. Although South Africa is one of the African countries with a high number of international students enrolled within the institutions of higher learning, in certain institutions, such students are alienated based on their being considered an ‘outsider.’ This conceptual paper draws its literature from chapter one of the PhD work-in-progress and therefore, examines the tacit challenges that international students face when undergoing independent academic and social support frameworks in university in higher education institutions. The primary aim of this paper is to stimulate scholarly dialogue on best practices and strategic approaches for enhancing the well-being and academic success of international students. Grounded in a review of existing literature, this paper contends that despite the presence of institutional policies and student support initiatives, international students continue to face significant challenges in their academic journeys. These include language barriers, experiences of xenophobia and discrimination, and the complexities of immigration laws and regulations. Furthermore, the paper contributes to the broader discourse on equitable access to higher education through the development of student-centred, culturally responsive, and inclusive support systems. In conclusion, the paper proposes an inclusive support framework for international students, structured around six key components: foundational principles, structural elements, interconnected support networks, academic and career integration, outreach and information delivery, and policy and institutional commitment